Parents want the holidays to be a fun time for kids, but sometimes it seems almost impossible to manage their behavior around this time of year. When your child starts to act out of character, they are probably just overstimulated — taking in too many sights, sounds and smells can be overwhelming for little children. Keep these things in mind to help reduce holiday meltdowns.

As with any organized activity for young children, parents never can be sure what to expect. However, Northeast Ohio Parent columnist Jason Lea has come to appreciate several things about raising a karate kid.

Until now, feeding your baby has been your job. However, as your baby gets older, your little one will want to do this more and more on their own. Now that they’re joining the rest of the family for meals, older babies are ready — and often willing — to try more table foods.

On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner chats with The Drugless Doctors about chiropractic care for families, including reasons why you might bring your family members — even babies, kids and teens — to see a chiropractor.

Sign language can help ease frustration for children between the ages of eight months and 2 years. At this age, children begin to know what they want, need and feel, but don't always have the oral-motor and verbal skills to express themselves. Basic sign language can help decrease frustration for both caregiver and child, promote early language skills and enhance the bond between the infant and those who sign.

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'Tis the season for watching holiday movies with the family. No matter what your tastes, here are some great ideas to get you started. Bring on the popcorn and the cocoa, put on your fuzziest jammies and settle in for a winter’s night.

The next two Saturdays, keep the kids in their PJs and head to the Science Center for a hot cocoa bar with whipped cream, marshmallows and sprinkles, plus liquid nitrogen peppermint ice cream, cookies, a hands-on science activity and “The Polar Express” in the DOME Theater.

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